On this day in Boston Celtics history, the team defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 92-86 in Game 5 of the 2010 NBA Finals despite 38 points and 5 rebounds from Lakers star Kobe Bryant, giving the Celtics a 3-2 series lead.
“It was our biggest game of the year,” Pierce said at the time via the Associated Press. “We’re in a good spot. We have two games in L.A.; now we have to get one.” The win would put Boston within one game of their 18th banner, but it would ultimately elude them with the Lakers taking the series in seven games.
The contest was won with 27 points from forward Paul Pierce, 18 points and 10 rebounds from big man Kevin Garnett, and 18 points and 8 assists from point guard Rajon Rondo.
